In late summer some of
the "curiosities" collected by the explorers arrived in the nation's capital to
the amazement and amusement of the public and the press.

These examples of western animal life and botanical and mineral specimens
forwarded by Lewis led to not only public delight but also to serious interest
and examination by Jefferson and other enthusiasts in the scientific and
intellectual communities of the East. Perhaps of greatest importance among the
items sent to Washington were Clark's map of the Lower Missouri, portions of his
personal journal, and statistical information about Indian tribes and their
activities. The National Intelligencer and Washington Advertiser of February
21, 1806 summarized President Jefferson's report to Congress on February19*.

With
the departure from Fort Mandan, the Corps of Discovery headed into territory
virtually unknown to white Americans. In an April 7, 1805, letter to
Jefferson, Lewis had mentioned that he hoped to send a few men back from the
farthest navigable point on the Missouri with news of his progress. This did not
occur. Lewis realized that a reduction in the party's numbers could be risky and
might demoralize those who "proceeded on." Thus, no word from the expedition was
received in the East until its return to St. Louis seventeen months later with
accounts of spectacular adventure, hardship, and discovery.

By April
25, 1805, the expedition had reached
the Missouri's junction with the Yellowstone River with some days of remarkable
progress alternating with others hampered by cold mornings, head winds, and
blowing sand. Beyond were plains rich with animal life - buffalo, elk,
antelope, beaver, innumerable birds - and the first and sometimes hair-raising
encounters with the infamous grizzly bear. On at least two occasions sudden
squalls almost capsized one of the pirogues, endangering the expedition's
instruments, medicines, and papers. Sacagawea's quick thinking and actions
were responsible for saving many of these valuables.

*By that date the explorers were nearing the end of their second winter away
from home. At Fort Clatsop near the mouth of the Columbia River they anxiously
awaited spring and the beginning of the journey back to St. Louis.